West, By GodPolitics and Gunshttp://www.westbygod.net
Thu, 21 Mar 2019 14:45:20 ESTenYay Capitalism! : Gregory Morrishttp://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=295
Mon, 21 Sep 2015 05:34:11 ESTMon, 21 Sep 2015 05:34:11 ESTNRA WOA: The Last Day : Gregory Morris
After lunch we were given the option of going and shooting 3-gun or sporting clays. As much fun as I had shooting 3-gun, I went with sporting clays. I think I might want to get more involved with it once I get home. I'm not ruling out maybe competing in pistols, but I think shotgunning is more for me. It's a very zen, relaxing shooting sport for me. You just relax, calm your mind and body and they just trust you body's natural instincts. I truly love it. Plus destroying clays rocks!

So, I headed out to the sporting clays course and shot. I got the chance to shoot with Elizabeth, Sandy, and Carol. They are great instructors. They change one thing and I went from missing a bunch to nailing it right after the adjustment. I'm definitely going to find some places to shoot near Tampa. If anyone knows of any or any instructors, please let me know.

We all then came back to the lodge for a needed break from the sun and bugs. Dinner was a cowboy cookout at cowboy town. We dressed up in our country western shirts, cowboy hats, and boots and enjoyed a nice cookout surrounded by the SASS cowboy town. After dinner a few people spoke about the wonderful week we have had. The instructors were praised and given thanks for the amazing job they did.

Also, we wanted to thank Anne Marie Foster. She is in charge of NRA Women's Programs. She is incredible. She planned this whole event: bringing participants, instructors, and staff all together as well as working with companies to give us some great gifts and prizes, putting together a fashion show, and working with the Rockcastle staff to make this inaugural event would be a week none of us ever forget.

The friendships we've made and the lessons we've learned we're very much worth the cost and the long trip. I plan on writing a summery after I get home. But for now I have to find a way to fit all my stuff into my 2 huge suitcases which is going to be a challenge seeing as I'm leaving with more than I came with. So I'm going to get on that.

Look for that post coming later this week.
...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2446
Wed, 09 May 2012 17:51:02 ESTWed, 09 May 2012 17:51:02 ESTNRA WOA: Cowboys and Horses : Gregory Morris
The storm did change our morning plans. No canoeing for anyone this morning. So instead Margaret, Marie, and Raquel and I went to Cave City to do a little antique shopping. It was a cute little town. Some of the girls found hats and other neat things. I, for the one and only time in my life, bought nothing. It was an anomaly. So after we headed back we went to lunch and got briefed on the rest of the day.

Now it was time to don my long awaited SASS outfit. I thought I was going to look kinda dorky, but when I came out in my bustled long skirt, high neck shirt, and straw hat everybody loved it. I believe it was Kerrin who called me Beth Ingles Wilder. LOL I'll take that. We all headed down to cowboy town and had a mix of using some SASS weapons as well as a bunch of the guns we used during the week and were lucky enough to shoot some of the instructors’ competition guns. It was really cool. I even hit a 200 yard target with a high powered rifle on the first shot.

Sorry that I don't remember all the names of all the guns, but there were just way too many today. It was really laid back and they let us shoot whatever we wanted and we all just took turns at the different weapons. I did shoot the Henry level action rifle. That was a pretty cool experience because I've never shot anything like that before and I shot it fairly accurately as well.

It started to get pretty hot so we went back to the lodge to get ready for tonight's evening events: the Derby Party and fashion show. It felt good to get a little girlie again. I painted my face, put on a little black dress, and put on my big floppy black and white derby hat. The hats some of the women brought were so creative and fun! I was really impressed. We ate appetizers and drinks wine and of course mint juleps. Then we all received horse’s names on roses. I got Gemologist who I thought would do pretty well. We watched the Kentucky Derby on TV and cheered for our favorites.

My horse didn't place in the top three, but the woman whose horses did won a big prize. Charter Arms had given us three .38s to use as prizes for the event! That was pretty cool, and in my opinion the women that won really were the right ones to get them. (And it was ok because I already owned two of them. Heh.)

The fashion show followed. It was pretty interesting even though I'm not really in need of any hunting gear personally. Yet, Prois makes some great gear that is tailored just for a woman's body. We all know there's not enough of that out there. They were followed by Good Shot Design. Here's where I started to drool. They make English style outdoors apparel. It was simply gorgeous! The pieces were made from soft wool, were tailored with beautiful lines, had high quality lining, lovely colors and I wanted all of them.

Afterwards I went to look at the line to see if I wanted to purchase anything from them, but as much as I wanted to I couldn't justify spending hundreds of dollars on one piece of wool clothing when I live in Florida. It's a good thing for Greg we don't live up north or I would have been in trouble.

There was also “camo-friendly jewelry” provided by instructor Carol from the Elegant Huntress.

Now at this point it's been a long week of good shooting and good friend, so we were ready to party. Rock Castle had a band playing outside, so we moved the party outside and danced and drank and talked. I spent most of the evening talking with my three favorite girls. In fact we were up until almost 1:00am chatting. These women and I really have bonded and have become sisters. We come from all different parts of the country, are different ages and have different backgrounds, but we have bonded in a way that I really never have with other women. They are all so special and have made this trip so incredibly amazing. I love you guys and thanks for being you. Just one more full day and then it's time to go home.

Honestly I'm just not ready to leave. When do I do get home however, I'm certain that I want to continue to shoot and become better and better. Tomorrow I've decided to shoot some more sporting clays, as my free choice and I'm looking forward to that.

That's all for now. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my adventure so far.

Note from Greg: Sorry this is a little late being posted!
...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2445
Wed, 09 May 2012 17:46:45 ESTWed, 09 May 2012 17:46:45 ESTNRA WOA: Introduction to 3-Gun : Beth Morris

I'm actually writing this before dinner today. Today was a really relaxed laid back day for me. This morning almost everyone else went zip lining and horseback riding. From what I heard they had a lot of fun and enjoyed doing these events many for the first time. It was great that the NRA Women's Outdoor Adventure offered so many options to try new things and experience things we might not have ever had the chance to try before.

I, on the other hand did something much less adventurous. I hit up the complex's driving range. It was just me, so Blake the course pro gave me a lesson. I hit some balls with a driver then he had me try with a 7 iron. I had informed him that I can't hit irons very well at all. He adjusted my stance a bit and gave me some helpful hints. I lined up my shot and just went for it. I completely surprised myself and hit a perfect long shot.

In all areas, every single instructor I have encountered here had been beyond amazing. My day just got better and better as it went on. After lunch, it was Group B's turn to go to shotguns. I'd like to again tell you how much of a difference it makes with receiving the proper training from amazing instructors. They put chap-stick on my left eye of my shooting glasses and it made seeing the flying clays so much easier. Now if I can just remember how to do it myself in the future. After some warm up shots in the 5 stand, we set off in groups to the sporting clay course. I was matched up with fellow group member Angela, and head shotgun instructor Elizabeth Lanier.

Let me just repeat Elizabeth's mantra: "If they fly, they die!" And boy did they! Angela was an amazing shot, and impressed me with her pairs shooting. But I amazed myself. I was destroying clay after clay! Elizabeth is super fun and so positive and encouraging. She made adjustments with my stance and gun placement and I saw immediate results. It was so much fun and we laughed and hit clays and just laughed more. Did I mention it was fun? Shooting with women is so positive and encouraging. Everyone just lifts each other up and cheers when someone succeeds. I've honestly never experienced something like this before and I am so thankful to be here.

-- break --

So I'm actually back from dinner now and I thought I had ended my writing for the day, but there were a few more adventures to be had. First let me tell you why I love my B group ladies. They are loud and funny and inappropriate and smart and just all around wonderful. We laughed and joked during dinner and took some pics of us being crazy. We really have enjoyed each other's company and by the commotion we make, I'm sure everyone else can tell too.

After dinner there may or may not have been a covert mission. I'm not confirming or denying a possible off road golf cart trip to sneak a peak at the cowboy town. I know nothing. But if it's true there may have been an incident with one woman thinking she could bring her wine with her on this very bumpy trip and it ending up covering her and a golf cart. Someone called alcohol abuse and we all just lost it yet again. By the way, I'm really good at off-road golf carting. It's probably from all my years of off-road Jeeping.
The lodge bar has become a great hang out spot after our long days. These ladies sure love their wine and it's a good thing there's a whole winery on the property, cause I think we'd run out otherwise.

Lots of good stuff happening tomorrow, so that's all for tonight. I'll keep you posted. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2442
Fri, 04 May 2012 12:38:23 ESTFri, 04 May 2012 12:38:23 ESTNRA Women's Outdoor Adventure : Gregory Morris
Here's what the NRA Blog has to say about WOA so far:

Beth has more blog posts coming, possibly including some video! Stay tuned! ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2441
Fri, 04 May 2012 12:13:06 ESTFri, 04 May 2012 12:13:06 ESTNRA WOA: Action Shooting : Beth Morris
After lunch group B had pistol training. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the intense training with pistols but I was really, really surprised. I'm learning this week how much proper training matters so much. Instructor Debbie Keehart spent time with me adjusting my incorrect grip and showing me how to grip the gun correctly. We were shooting M&P 9mms. I really liked the way these guns shot.

Once I got my sight picture corrected, I was shooting pretty consistently. I realized one of my other problems is that I for some reason get stressed out and tense up in my arms and shoulders. One of my fellow group members, Marie, kept saying "Nameste" and bringing her palms down together in front of her like we were doing some sort of gun yoga. Another quirky member Dianne answered her that she was doing it wrong and quickly placed her hands together to form a gun all Charlie's Angel style and pulled them down peacefully saying "NRA." I realized at this moment that women probably have way more fun shooting together than men.

After we finished shooting the silhouette targets, things got a lot more interesting. The instructors set us up with a short action pistol course. We were a little unsure of how we'd do, but really excited to try it for the first time. I believe I went third. It was a good spot, because I could watch others go through it twice but not wait too long and get nervous. I went into it really relaxed. I was just going to take my time and shoot good shots.

With my hand against a wall I waited for the buzzer. I quickly picked up my gun and started the course. I shot two rounds into a silhouette around a wall, went on and shot two between the wall, two in two different targets in the open, further down to round a wall, hit two in one to the left, two in a silhouette with a no hit in front of it, then to the scary part - a popper probably 15ish yards away - nailed it in one shot then finished my mag in a metal plate at 20 yards. When I finished, all I could say was, "that was awesome!!!" It was literally and figuratively a blast!

Then they reminded me to actually go look at my targets. All I had really thought about was shoot then move. The only target I knew I was dead on was the popper which I was totally proud about. But I went back and every single one of my shots were in the A zone!! I couldn't believe it. I had fun and did I really good job too! I immediately in my head began chanting, "Again, again!" I ran it again backwards doing just slightly worse due to fatigue. Everyone else in my B group did amazing as well. It's just so much darn fun shooting and moving at hitting different targets. We all loved it!

At dinner the B group discussed our day as well as what happens when you have parakeets and ceiling fans, as well as giving a bird an ice cream induced brain freeze. I love my B group girls. I said to Raquel on the first day, "you're not normal are you." She said no and we've hung out ever since.

Later Marie, Raquel, Raquel's contraband-man-friend (this is the women’s outdoor adventure!), and I escaped the lodge for an outing to Applebee's and Walmart. You see there has been a very obvious shortage of desserts around here and we needed ice cream. We were all loopy and silly from too much sun and gun powder, and we laughed until it hurt. It was nice to get away for a little bit. Plus I found my much needed N batteries for my ears. All week I've been going around with only the right one working.

I'm completely beat, so if none of this makes sense I apologize in advance. I'll try to have sum funnier material tomorrow, but I'm going to take a solo golf lesson in the morning and we all know golf's just not all that funny.

Until tomorrow. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2440
Wed, 02 May 2012 22:51:34 ESTWed, 02 May 2012 22:51:34 ESTNRA WOA: Day Two Shooty Goodness : Beth Morris
So since we got rained out of shotguns for the time being, they decided to have some classroom instruction on the three different weapons for 3-gun. Head rifle instructor Kay Miculek spoke on the 3-gun course and how it was practical shooting. We will be using Smith and Wesson M&P 15s in .22lr with a red dot sights. We also were taught the basic operations of the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm. Head pistol instructor Debbie Keehart talked about sight picture, proper stance, and proper grip. It was a little different than what I was used to, but it seemed a lot better than what I was used to doing as well.

Our instructors:Kay Miculek, Elizabeth Lanier, Debbie Keehart

Eye dominance was also discussed. I knew I was cross eye dominant, but I was never really taught what exactly to do about correcting for it. Turns out as I found out later all I needed was some scotch tape. We lined up and dry fired and had a whole slew of instructors there to help us adjust our stance and grip. It felt pretty comfortable, but I'll just have to wait and see how it goes once I can actually shoot it.

At this point my head was feeling very full and I was feeling very overwhelmed, so I skipped out on the shotgun training to lie down until lunch. After another long wait for food at lunch we were all set to go hit some clays. Of course nothing could quite go as planned, so we were on another weather delay. But this time we had been given golf carts! The property at Park Mammoth is huge so the golf course gave us all golf carts to get around. We all zoomed, er… puttered, around the parking lot weaving in and out of cars trying not to hit each other. At this point this was the most fun I'd had. Seriously, it was really fun.

Finally we got the go ahead to go over to the sporting clays and 5-stand area. The drive over very much reminded me of driving my old Jeep on country roads back home in West Virginia. It was beautiful and some parts were a little off-road-ish. And I made every attempt to hit the wet mud holes. Once we arrived at the 5-stand we broke up into small groups to shoot. I needed a little extra help since I skipped the earlier training, but then I was good to go. Except when I got up there I couldn't focus correctly because of the cross eye dominance thing so they covered my left pupil with scotch tape. Let me tell you it made a world of difference. I hit 3 out of 5 my first round. Not too shabby for not shooting so much.

Head shotgun instructor Elizabeth Lanier helped all of adjust then set us on down to shoot sporting clays. My badass B group girls were together for this and we rocked it. I hit 4 out of 5 a few times and the other ladies did great as well. Below is a picture of all of us with instructor Judy.

I got to hold the gun because I did the best that round. Yay me! But it wasn't about that. We just really enjoyed shooting and being with each other. Everyone was so kind and supportive. It makes for a really great atmosphere for learning and growing. After shooting we headed back to the lodge for a much needed rest and freshening up.

Dinner was served outside near the mouth of one of the caves. It was really nice and super beautiful. We had some great conversations and found out more about each other. A few of us decided to head back early and catch up on some rest. I'm pretty glad I did too, because this might not have gotten written if I stayed out much longer. I'm beat, but excited for the rest of the week. Lots of shooting yet to come! Next up, the B team tackles rifles in the morning. Wish us luck!

The sponsors of this event hooked us up with some great gear. We all got matching jackets and cute hats. An awesome cross body backpack, water bottle, a cute pink Remington shirt, a Rite in the Rain Journal and some other odd and ends.

I have really enjoyed meeting like-minded women from all over the country. To be honest I'm pleasantly surprised. I was pretty afraid that they would so different from me and, I'd be too loud and obnoxious and frighten everyone. They are different from me, but in good ways. So far, no one has run in the opposite direction upon my approach!

After lunch we had personal protection seminar. It was a mix of the NRA "Refuse to be a Victim" program and their Personal Protection class. It was presented by instructor Jim Honaker. He spoke on levels of awareness, preparedness, how to examine your surroundings, and that we need to be constantly vigilant of everything that we do and how it could possibly effect our safely. We also focused on specific things to do in different scenarios. There were Tazers, alarms, dead bolts, pepper spray, and even wasp and hornet spray passed around all to illustrate that you use anything you have to fight off an attacker or to alert you to his presence. He also went over basic gun safety and examined the three rules (NRA rules, not Jeff Cooper rules) of gun safety.

To sum up the proper mind set he shared with us this quote from Clint Eastwood from the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales, "now remember, when things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean. I mean plumb, mad-dog mean. 'Cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live nor win. That's just the way it is." Basically, what we needed to take away from the class was, Never give up! Do anything you must to fight for your life. That, and you never want to deal with cops or lawyers, so be smart.

I felt good about this material and I thank Greg and my mom for instilling in me enough healthy paranoia that I was already aware of most of these things. Still, it is always good to practice and review this from time to time. Oh and I won a keychain! I never win anything, so there's that. The class was good, but in my opinion, way too long. There was a lot to cover, but I think some of it could have been cut so we didn't have to sit through five hours of worst-case thinking.

I ditched out a little early and laid down for about 20 minutes before dinner. At dinner I met some more ladies and waited an hour and a half to get some food. Ugh! We did however finally get to meet our instructors, meet the activities staff, and put ourselves into groups for the three gun shooting activities. Great day, but an early start tomorrow. So I'm off to bed for tonight. More for ya tomorrow!

(Note from Greg: I recieved this from Beth late last night, and was too busy today to post it until now.) ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2438
Tue, 01 May 2012 20:19:41 ESTTue, 01 May 2012 20:19:41 ESTNRA WOA: Arrival at Park Mammoth Resort : Beth Morris

I rarely ever travel all alone, and when I do it's always to see family or close friends. They pick me at the airport. Even from the beginning, this trip is proving to be quite the unique experience. One which will test my courage, help me over come many fears, as well as prove to myself that I can indeed step outside my comfort zone.

So, getting back to my morning of travel... I got up early and lugged two gianormous suitcases and a backpack through the Tampa airport. I wasn't awake enough yet to be terrified, so that was a plus. After a quick stop in Atlanta - well I'm pretty sure I stopped in Atlanta - I was in a strange traveling daze at this point so we'll never be 100% sure where I was exactly... All I know was then I was back on a different plane headed for Nashville, TN. I loved the idea of staying in Nashville. I could hear all the music and I could see Opreyland and meet famous singers. Hell, maybe get discovered myself, because at the moment I do have awesome country-music-singer hair.

In all honesty, I was dreading the drive to Park City, Kentucky. For those who don't know me, I hate driving. I really honest-to-God hate it. Especially if I have to go somewhere I'm not familiar with. We lived in Tampa for 3 years before I was brave enough to drive the 1 mile to the grocery store because it involved merging across 3 lanes of traffice. But I digress.

So the thought of driving all the way up here was scaring the shit out of me. But I got my stupid luggage amd went to visit the man at the Hertz counter. Wait a minute, that man on the screen is making me video chat with him to get my car. Strange. I was doing fine until he said the words: Toyota Camry. I freaked and started begging for a car that was higher off the ground and somehow agreed to spend more of Greg's money again (without asking) to get a Liberty. Sorry Greg! But Jeeps make me happy. Car sorted out, I was good to go. It also needs to be noted that I like to psych myself out ahead of time.

I got the car, left the airport, had my GPS lead me on my way, and I was fine. I drove at an alarming fast rate of 77mph and arrived in Park Mammoth Resort shortly after 2:00pm. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but my first reaction to the lodge was it was kinda weird. It feels like a place my grandparents would have taken my dad and his sisters in the late 1950s when they used to go visit all the national parks in the summertime.

My first real shocker was that I got an actual key to my room! I looked at it in awe like it was some precious ancient artifact. I then promised myself to not lose said key, like I always do with hotel room swipe cards. After I finished checking in, I drug all my bags to my room and opened the door with my precioussss aka key. Well again it wasn't what I was expecting. It also felt like something out of the 50s or 60s but in a lodgy kind of quaintness. There are some odd switches and buttons on the night stand that I'll just have to show you cause I have no clue what they are.
The thermostat is somehow set to 40 degrees but it isn'tcold in here, so that works. I have a gorgeous view of the rolling hills and big pine trees. I made one misstep in packing, because for some reason I forgot my power strip! How could I be so silly! There's only one extra outlet in the whole room and no alarm clock.

Ok Beth, this is supposed to be an outdoor adventure. Tomorrow is the first day of the event and I must focus on the important things like not acting like a weirdo in front of people, making sure my harness in on tight when I zip line, and not embarrass myself by missing every target.

I really am stoked! I can't wait to get started and the hardest part of all thing will probably be me just getting over my fears of traveling here. Dinner in the dining room at 5:00 then I'm going to relax and watch some Howdy Doody on the black and white tv, if I can get the rabbit ears to work.

I’m pretty exciting about all the activities they have lined up for us. I’ve never been to anything like this before and I’m a mix of anxious, excited, and curious. I really am not sure what to expect. There will be outdoorsy activities like canoeing, zip-lining, touring of Mammoth Cave, golfing, etc. But we will also be training for a SASS-style shooting event. I’ve never shot any of the weapons used for cowboy action shooting, and am looking forward to it a lot. I’m going to try, and try being the operative word, to write daily blogs and send them to Greg for posting. I’d love to be able to share my experience with everyone.

I'm really glad I wasn't drinking something when I read that. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2435
Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:42:10 ESTTue, 13 Mar 2012 20:42:10 ESTGoing Solo : Beth Morris
That's when the vultures swooped in. I suddenly was surrounded by men leaning over my shoulder staring at the gun asking the booth guys questions about it. They told the vultures that it was the only one they had and was having a really hard time finding more. I figured that if I was going to even consider buying it I better not put it down. So under some pressure I quickly decided that I was going to by it, or rather Greg was going to but it for me as a Valentine's Day present for me. As soon as I told the booth guy I wanted it, the vultures got pretty pathetic. They said to me, "Can I at least hold it for a minute"? LOL like I said they were being a pain in the ass.
The line was so long to fill out paperwork and have the background checks called in that I decided to just have them transfer it to the Tampa store and pick it up today.

Went to the range today and they guys at Shoot Straight are awesome. I wanted to make sure I was familiar with exactly how to use it and they helped a lot. Even oiled my gun for me. :-) I always seem to get a little nervous shooting a new gun by myself right now, something I'm trying to get over. So I warmed up with my Glock to see how the Viridian C5l laser sites worked out since I hadn't shot with them on yet. (Shot low. Needs adjusted) But then I was ready for the Solo. I expected it to have a good bit of recoil and be off for sure on the first round, but nope. Pretty much dead center. It kicked, but not as bad as what I had expected. Smooth trigger pull, gripped nicely for a small pistol, and was really accurate. I'm really happy I purchased the Solo.It's going to be a great addition to my carry gun collection. I still need to find a good holster for it and was thinking laser grips too. Having a hard time finding those two things so far. It came with a pocket holster, but for some reason none of my pants have front pockets. Weird I know.

So pretty successful over all. Picked out a great gun, managed to drive all the way across the world to pick it up, it shot great, and I did it all myself. Kinda lame to most of you, but these are important steps to get to where I want to be. So if anyone knows of any good holsters or where I can get my hands on some crimson trace laser grips I'd appreciate any help. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2434
Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:10:06 ESTTue, 14 Feb 2012 00:10:06 ESTI'm Back! : Gregory Morrishttp://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2433
Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:53:14 ESTSat, 03 Dec 2011 18:53:14 ESTKuwait : Gregory Morrishttp://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2432
Sat, 05 Nov 2011 05:43:31 ESTSat, 05 Nov 2011 05:43:31 ESTOn the Move : Gregory Morris
I'm ready. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2431
Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:29:04 ESTFri, 04 Nov 2011 04:29:04 ESTNotes From Iraq: Not Many Notes : Gregory Morris
I also don't know when I'll be home... but I do intend to get back into regular blogging, hopefully by some time in December.

...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2430
Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:26:17 ESTSun, 02 Oct 2011 15:26:17 ESTNotes From Iraq: There and Back Again : Gregory Morris
Now I'm back in Iraq. I just took a helicopter ride from Baghdad to Al Asad... neato! I've always loved helicopters, but this was my first time riding in one. Instead of that cheesy tour in Orlando, I got a tour of the Euphrates River. The same river mentioned in Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Chronicles, Kings, Joshua, Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, a few of the Psalms, and likely other places in the Bible as well. Isn't that cool?

It seems to me the correct people to turn to in order to prevent this type of accident would be someone who teaches gun safety. Like, I dunno, the NRA.

Gun control? Really? How about proper training for children, like Eddie Eagle, mandated in schools across America. That might actually make people safer, instead of just making them think they are safer.
...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2424
Sun, 24 Jul 2011 07:40:32 ESTSun, 24 Jul 2011 07:40:32 ESTIsn't That Like Reorganizing A Man's Tackle Box? : Gregory Morris
O_o
...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2423
Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:19:05 ESTFri, 08 Jul 2011 07:19:05 ESTNotes From Iraq: Calling Home : Gregory Morris
Today I called. No answer. Then I get an email a minute later: "at gun range".

This is me being jealous.

Update:
Oh no.

Absolutely not. Dammit.

She took my new Kimber to the range, which I haven't even gotten to shoot yet, and decided its hers now. "But it is so much nice than my Glock". Grrrr.

She also tuned up the new Crimson Trace laser grips on her pink Charter Arms revolver.

AND she had the nerve to complain about how I organize my ammo and shooting accessories in the closet. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2422
Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:28:07 ESTTue, 05 Jul 2011 13:28:07 ESTDropped French Rifles : Gregory MorrisFrance ... confirm[ed] on Wednesday it had dropped assault rifles

Sure, we can celebrate a victory for civil rights in Wisconsin, but Tam's closing statement is more poignant. There is only one state left in the union which completely restricts the right of her citizens to self defense.

That needs to change, of course. I predict it will in the next 10 years, if not sooner.

Now, while we're working on Illinois, we will also work on fixing the last few "May Issue" states, as well as getting "constitutional carry" passed in a few more states.

As much as I worry about the decline of liberty in America, we are making great gains at universal protection of the most basic human right.
...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2420
Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:31:27 ESTWed, 22 Jun 2011 07:31:27 ESTWorld Take Note : Gregory MorrisThis is what happens when you run out of other people's money. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2419
Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:01:23 ESTThu, 16 Jun 2011 08:01:23 ESTApple Employees Union? : Gregory MorrisCry me a river.

"Oh no! I have a high end retail job when a lot of Americans can't find shit for work, but I want to start a union so it will be more 'fair'."

Aside from the ones I don't ever expect to shoot much (7.62x38, .22 WMR) I generally keep at least 500-1000 rounds in stock. More for ones I shoot a lot (9x19mm, 12ga, .22lr).

I also have a few boxes of ammo for .32ACP and 20ga, for which I don't actually own a gun in that chambering. I guess that is a better question of your gun-geekiness: how many calibers do you have on hand which you do not have a way to shoot?
...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2417
Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:58:20 ESTThu, 09 Jun 2011 03:58:20 ESTNotes From Iraq: Bang Bang : Gregory Morris

That's a big assumption there bub, considering all of the other factors that could just as easily explain the small (although not really small) number of guns traced back to California gun shops. Maybe the ATF just didn't want to deal with California's bureaucratic nonsense while they were actively involved in getting guns from the US to Mexico?

Ah, progress. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2414
Wed, 25 May 2011 15:51:48 ESTWed, 25 May 2011 15:51:48 ESTThere Are No States Rights : Gregory Morrishere, the Federal government seems to think the states have no control over anything the fedgov wants to have control over. This is a terrifying precedent, folks.

By no means am I a threeper. I don't fly a Gadsden flag. I don't scream about watering the tree of liberty with the blood of tyrants. I've never said it is time to "shoot the bastards."

But damn, if they aren't making me think long and hard about it.

If I lived in Texas, I would already be supporting this bill. After this affront, I'd damn well be screaming for it. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2413
Wed, 25 May 2011 15:32:47 ESTWed, 25 May 2011 15:32:47 ESTInflation? : Gregory Morris
Well, I never got one because I didn't need another rifle chambered in another hard-to-find, expensive caliber.

I don't fault JG Sales, of course. They charge what the market price is, and usually have some of the best deals out there anyway. But jeesh... one hundred and eighty smackaroos for a Stutzen?

Now I wish I would have gotten one when they were cheap. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2412
Sun, 22 May 2011 13:38:22 ESTSun, 22 May 2011 13:38:22 ESTSin Stocks? Really? : Gregory MorrisGun manufacturers as sin stocks? Alcohol, tobacco, casinos... sure. But I thought self defense was a basic human need. I'd lump them in with energy, utilities, healthcare, etc.

But what do I know about investing in the stock market? ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2411
Sun, 22 May 2011 04:32:59 ESTSun, 22 May 2011 04:32:59 ESTIn Case of Rapture, This Blog Will Be Unmanned : Gregory Morris
Happy Apocalypse day. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2410
Sat, 21 May 2011 07:09:35 ESTSat, 21 May 2011 07:09:35 ESTNotes From Iraq: It Keeps Grinding On and On : Gregory Morris
I don't really have much to say though. Still busting my ass out here in the desert... well past the date I was supposed to be home for good. It is starting to get hot again, but I already told you all about how shitty it is out here this time last year. Nothing exciting is happening (that I'm allowed to talk about anyway.) And the stuff I'm not allowed to talk about isn't really that exciting anyway.

Good news is that I think Beth and I will be going to Greece for my next R&R. It is a shorter flight for me, and we've both been dying to visit. Even though it is months away, a the thought of few weeks of relaxation on a beautiful Greek island does wonders for my mental health. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2409
Sun, 15 May 2011 02:17:26 ESTSun, 15 May 2011 02:17:26 ESTGuns and Video Games : Gregory Morrisguns and video games crossed paths. Interesting story. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2408
Tue, 03 May 2011 03:20:30 ESTTue, 03 May 2011 03:20:30 ESTMarion Hammer Picking a Fight... With Open Carry? : Gregory MorrisSeems that way to me.

Now, I understand what she's saying. The NRA is still the big dog in the room, regardless of what other organizations would like to think. But it is indeed a good day when some of us 2A activists are whining about a pro-gun law being passed because it wasn't as far-reaching as it could have been. Personally, I'm happy the law was passed by the FL Senate, even in its neutered form. But Marion Hammer should realize that the there are a lot of Floridians who do want open carry passed. The governor himself would, in all likelihood, signed a full open-carry bill into law. Starting a pissing match with people on your side isn't good for the cause. Instead, I think that Ms. Hammer would have been better off stating that watering down the bill was simply the only way to get it passed (which is debatable) but then stating that she would continue to push for the original bill in future legislative sessions.

The new bill is an improvement, but it leaves open the possibility for harassment of people who are legally carrying concealed weapons. If that comes to pass, which it inevitably will, I expect the NRA and USF to put their full weight behind legal open carry. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2407
Mon, 02 May 2011 06:30:54 ESTMon, 02 May 2011 06:30:54 ESTOverheard in the Office : Gregory MorrisMe:Hey, look at this auction for a crate of 20 M91/30s.

Co-worker:Oooh, if I got that, my son could have his friends over to re-enact the battle of Stalingrad in our back yard next winter. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2406
Mon, 02 May 2011 06:09:23 ESTMon, 02 May 2011 06:09:23 ESTLook What Followed Me Home : Gregory Morris

Ok, it didn't really follow me home. I ordered it as part of a group buy organized here at HQ USF-I. I don't intend to shoot it much, but I will put a few rounds downrange when I get back from the desert.

This model comes with an extra magazine, and tritium night sights. Not sure why, for a commemorative pistol, but hey, it was a great bargain. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2405
Sun, 01 May 2011 05:31:57 ESTSun, 01 May 2011 05:31:57 ESTFlorida Preemption : Gregory Morris
There is some opposition, of course, but it probably won't stop the passage of the law. In this article, the author clearly didn't do any research into the current law. The article itself isn't terrible, but it demonstrates how some people are opposing legislation when they are ignorant of the situation.

Specifically, all this law does is provide fines for violating state law. That isn't an unusual thing for a state legislature to do. I don't see state preemption, strengthened or status quo, as having any effect on noise ordinances either. They might not be able to ban the gun range, but a noise ordinance would make it impossible to use the range (without sound suppressors, at least.)

That being said, the state already has a number of laws protecting gun ranges, so the kerfuffle over the bill in question may be moot. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2404
Tue, 26 Apr 2011 01:57:32 ESTTue, 26 Apr 2011 01:57:32 ESTGun Control: Making Good People Into Criminals : Gregory MorrisMan who uses injured cop's gun to stop a crime may face charges.

The charge would be possessing a gun without a license.

The mind boggles.

Methinks he'd have a good Second Amendment defense though. ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2403
Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:30:10 ESTMon, 18 Apr 2011 15:30:10 ESTBrady Bunch in Dubvee : Gregory Morrisstepped into the ring to oppose a lawsuit in WV challenging some local ordinances.

The Brady Campaign's reasoning for opposing the repeal (legislatively or in the courts) is... well, because they like gun control regardless of what it is. The WVCDL is simply trying to remove an ordinance that turns an otherwise law-abiding citizen who crosses an imaginary line into a criminal. All the press I've read on this so far has nothing more than standard Brady talking points about "common sense" and other nebulous terms they are so fond of. No real substantive reasoning behind keeping these laws on the books. I'll be interested to read their amicus brief.

The WVCDL is doing good work. If they fail in this litigation, I still believe there is a significant chance they'll eventually succeed in legislatively strengthening WV's preemption law.
...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2402
Fri, 15 Apr 2011 05:38:12 ESTFri, 15 Apr 2011 05:38:12 ESTNature is a Mother : Gregory Morris
Meanwhile, there are some bark-humping hippies trying to "give" human rights to Gaia. Sorry hippies, Gaia is a bitch.

I'm too confused to even dive into the whole "rights are not granted by the government" thing.

Bolivia will this month table a draft United Nations treaty giving "Mother Earth" the same rights as humans — having just passed a domestic law that does the same for bugs, trees and all other natural things in the South American country.

It isn't all that different from a Crossbreed Supertuck. In fact, it wouldn't be hard to argue that Galco borrowed heavily from their design. Needless to say, if you like the Crossbreed or similar IWB holsters, you'll like the King Tuck.

The retention is perfect. My loaded G26 won't come out when it is upside-down, even with a few jars and shakes. The draw is smooth. The kydex holster allows for easy one-handed reholstering. Those things are not negotiable for a daily carry holster. What impressed me the most is how dang comfortable it is. The two clips hold it in place securely, and the leather is everywhere it needs to be to provide comfort no matter how you are sitting or standing.

The concealment is what you'd expect. With my G26, I can wear it with a loosely fitting t-shirt and have minimal printing. I tucked it a few days just to try that out, and it was fine, although I doubt I'll carry it tucked unless I have another covering garment (i.e. a Hawaiian shirt.) However, until Open Carry passes in Florida, this is a good feature to have on a windy day.

I've been testing it over the last two weeks by wearing it everywhere, including my recent roadtrip up to West, by God, Virginia and back to Florida. When a tuckable IWB holster doesn't become bothersome after being belted into your car for 16 hours straight, you know you have a winner.

Aside from the dorky spring-capture-with-a-paperclip thing, I like it very much. I haven't made it to the range yet, but I hope to go before the end of my R&R.

My next 1911 will be a safe queen original from WWII or before, but I got this one to shoot and possibly to carry (once Robb gets Open Carry passed in FL.) ...]]>http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog/index.php?id=2398
Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:00:46 ESTSun, 03 Apr 2011 12:00:46 EST